U.S. posts big job gains, but wages shrink
The United States capped its best year for hiring in 15 years with a healthy gain in December, and the unemployment rate hit a six-year low. Average hourly pay slipped 5 cents.
Economy
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Applications for U.S. jobless aid rise, but growth looks solid
More Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, but the number of applications continues to be at historically low levels that suggest solid economic growth will continue.
Consumers burst with confidence in December
Suddenly robust economic growth, low unemployment and shrinking gas prices have improved the outlook of Americans, a study shows.
HHGregg snags new exec from New York chain
The appliance and electronics retailer has hired its fourth chief merchandising officer in about three years, snagging a veteran executive who will move on from a much smaller chain.
Applications for unemployment aid fall to 7-week low
The number of people seeking jobless benefits has been at historically low levels for 14 of the past 15 weeks. That indicates companies are retaining workers and expecting economic growth to continue.
Economic growth revised up to 5 percent for third quarter
The sizzling rate gives credence to many analysts who think U.S. growth is finally set to accelerate. More people are working and have money to spend.
Private hiring in state boomed by 15,800 jobs in November
In December, Indiana saw its biggest monthly increase in private sector jobs in 15 years, as the national economy boosted hiring across the country.
Cheaper gasoline, food shrink U.S. producer prices
The retreat of wholesale costs gives the Federal Reserve more leeway to keep interest rates at record lows in an effort to stimulate the economy.
U.S. economic growth revised up for third quarter
The U.S. economy grew at a solid 3.9-percent annual rate in the July-September period, according to the latest estimate, possibly giving the country its strongest six months of growth in more than a decade.
Why many aren’t celebrating lower U.S. unemployment
After Tuesday's midterm elections, exit polling showed how little falling unemployment has resonated. Most voters said they cast their ballots out of fear for the economy.
U.S. employers add 214K jobs; rate falls to 5.8 percent
Employers have now added at least 200,000 jobs for nine straight months, the longest such stretch since 1995.
Kelley School economists expect stronger 2015
Economists from Indiana University Kelley School of Business say they are cautiously optimistic that 2015 will be the strongest year the economy has seen yet in its long, slow recovery from the Great Recession.
Forecast for 2015: Strategist says economy has juice
A Fifth Third Bank expert told attendees at IBJ's 2015 Economic Forecast on Thursday that the business cycle is maturing but still has some oomph left in it.
U.S. jobless aid applications fall to 14-year low
The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment aid dropped to the lowest level in 14 years last week, the latest sign of a strengthening labor market that could help blunt worries about the impact of weak global growth.
Business stockpiles show smallest rise in 14 months
Total U.S. business sales fell 0.4 percent in August after a 0.7-percent sales increase in July. It was the biggest monthly sales decline since a 1.1-percent drop in January.
U.S. executives feeling tight-fisted about worker raises
A survey of Harvard Business School alumni released Monday reveals a series of trends that are widening income disparities and may be weakening the ability of the U.S. economy to grow in the long term.
RV industry leaders say rebound picking up speed
Key manufacturers and suppliers have announced recent expansions, the stock market is at an all-time high, and consumers are more confident in the future, industry leaders say.
Consumer spending hits first decline since January
U.S. consumer spending edged down 0.1 percent last month after a 0.4-percent increase in June, the Commerce Department reported Friday.
U.S. economy forecast to grow by 1.5 percent in 2014
The Congressional Budget Office says the U.S. economy will grow by just 1.5 percent this year — hurt by a poor first-quarter performance. This new assessment is considerably more pessimistic than the Obama administration’s.
U.S. durable goods orders show record surge
Business orders for long-lasting manufactured goods shot up by the largest amount on record in July. But most of the strength came from demand for commercial aircraft. Outside of transportation, orders dipped.